T.D.C.I. REMINDS CITIZENS TENNESSEE FACES REAL EARTHQUAKE RISK IN MAJOR SEISMIC ZONES
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance is using Earthquake Awareness Month to remind residents that Tennessee is not immune to earthquakes, despite common assumptions. The state sits within two seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone in western Tennessee and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone in the east.
While most earthquakes in Tennessee are minor and often go unnoticed, the broader central U.S. region—including the New Madrid zone—experiences around 200 quakes annually, many too small to feel. Scientists, according to sources like the USGS, estimate a 25-40% probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake occurring in the central United States within the next 50 years. Although the New Madrid Seismic Zone draws the most attention due to its history of powerful events (such as the major quakes of 1811-1812), other areas like the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone and parts of states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Ohio, and Texas also see seismic activity.
The post stresses that standard homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage, but separate earthquake insurance is available for purchase in Tennessee through licensed insurance producers, encouraging residents to consider this protection for potential financial impacts.
